Davey rings the changes

12 June 2006 17:50

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Wales U21 Coach Chris Davey has rung the changes to his side as they prepare to face France in the IRB U21 World Championship on Tuesday, (18:00 bst).

Six players will make their first start of the tournament in the Stade Couturier, Cournon d'Auvergne. Davey's side got off their campaign off to the perfect start with a 73-25 romp over Georgia, scoring 10 tries in the process, but now face the stiffer challenge of the French on their own soil.

Double try-scoring wing Aaron Bramwell retains his place in a back division that sees Craig Evans replace Roger Davies at full back, and Tom Cheesman coming in for Christopher Clayton on the wing. The centre pairing of Thomas Riley (12) and captain Dafydd Hewitt (13) remains the same.

Aled Thomas holds on to the No.10 shirt, but his half back partner for the French match will be Ospreys youngster Nicky Griffiths.

In the front row, only Rhys Gill retains his position, with Phil Osbourne earns his first start of the competition at the expense of Craig Mitchell at tight-head prop. The second row pairing of Chris Dicomidis and Dominic Day - so effective against Georgia - stays the same. Rob McCuster - who started at blindside flanker on Friday - drops to the bench with Worcester Warriors Craig Everitt taking his place.

Rhys Shellard starts at openside, and Adam Powell will wear the No.8 shirt.

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